Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2016

1. Aaron Gordon, $21.3 million/4 years, Team Option in 2018, RFA in 2019

This is not just a reaction to Aaron Gordon’s stellar performance in the Verizon Slam Dunk Contest. Although that certainly would not hurt his value.

No, Gordon is perhaps the Magic’s most prized possession of a player and the player undoubtedly many teams have called about again and again throughout the whole trade deadline process. The Magic would need a star in return for Gordon and there seems little doubt about that.

It seems weird to say that about a player who averages only 7.7 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game. He is not a superstar yet.

But that athleticism displayed during the slam dunk contest is something he is using exceedingly well on the defensive end and on the glass.

Gordon is still learning the finer points of team defense, but has already grown into a solid one-on-one defender. He scratches out rebounds with solid athleticism and smarts about how to pursue the ball.

Offensively, he still is incredibly raw. The play he displayed at Summer League is a bit of what he could become, but he has to learn how to pick his spots and be a more consistent driver to create his shot. Not to say about his 3-point shooter — 29.9 percent from beyond the arc this year.

But Gordon has just tapped into his potential. And everyone knows it.

He will get better. How much better? No one knows. Not even Gordon probably knows.

Next: Orlando Magic sought balance in Tobias Harris trade

And on his rookie contract, that limitless potential certainly makes him extremely valuable.